Dose-dependent effects of Hypericum perforatum extract on hypothalamic NPY/AgRP gene expression, serotonin levels, and locomotor activity in male syrian hamsters

Balkan E. İ., Gündüz B.

24. Ulusal Sinir Bilim Kongresi, İstanbul, Türkiye, 10 - 13 Eylül 2026, ss.400-401, (Özet Bildiri)

  • Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Özet Bildiri
  • Basıldığı Şehir: İstanbul
  • Basıldığı Ülke: Türkiye
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.400-401
  • Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Objectives: Hypericum perforatum L. contains bioactive compounds affecting several neurotransmitter systems, particularly the serotonergic system. However, its effects on hypothalamic energy balance and behavioral activity remain unclear. This study investigated the dose-dependent effects of H. perforatum extract on hypothalamic neuropeptide Y (NPY) and agouti-related peptide (AgRP) gene expression, serum serotonin and leptin levels, and locomotor activity. Methods: Twenty three-month-old male Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) were divided into five groups (n = 4): control, 1% dimethyl sulfoxide, and 100, 200, or 300 mg/kg H. perforatum extract. Treatments were administered intraperitoneally for 10 days. Locomotor activity was recorded using running wheels, and body weight and food intake were monitored daily. Serum serotonin and leptin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, while hypothalamic NPY and AgRP expression was assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance or the Kruskal–Wallis test. Ethical approval was obtained from the Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Local Ethics Committee for Animal Experiments (2022/11-01). Results: Locomotor activity showed a dose-dependent decreasing trend, most pronounced at 300 mg/kg. Serum serotonin increased dose-dependently (p < 0.05). Leptin levels were higher in the 200 and 300 mg/kg groups than in the control and 100 mg/kg groups (p < 0.05). Hypothalamic NPY and AgRP expression decreased with increasing doses (p < 0.05). Body weight was lower in the 200 and 300 mg/kg groups than in controls (p < 0.001). Conclusion: H. perforatum extract may dose-dependently affect the hypothalamic NPY/AgRP system, serotonin and leptin levels, locomotor activity, and body weight. Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit (FBA2023-4438).